Asha said, “Nothing too scandalous, some hand-holding, kissing, canoodling, maybe an ass grab for the cameras as needed if interest starts to wane. The normal stuff.”

I knew Alex was grinning without looking at him. I didn’t need him thinking I was scared of kissing him. “Fine. Just let me know when it’s needed and I’ll tolerate Mr. Chase’s attentions.”

Rami raised his hand. “Can I make one suggestion here before we jump in too deep? Do a trial teaching session first before we make anything public. Do it tonight if we don’t want to waste time. But I’ve been around too long not to suggest caution here. If this goes perfectly to plan, we’re heroes and can laugh all the way to the bank, but in this social media age, the public is savvier than ever and will smell a publicity stunt if you two aren’t a good fit. Can she act convincingly? Can he be taught to play Lucas Steel? We all end up with egg on our faces if this goes wrong.”

He was right. I shouldn’t take this leap, obliterating the last shreds of my carefully crafted cocoon of privacy, until I was absolutely sure this would be executed to plan and not get out of control. I would end up a public laughingstock or a pariah if we made one misstep.

“Great suggestion,” I said quickly, despite getting pinched by Ophelia under the table. I didn’t voice my real concerns. “It isn’t worth doing this if Mr. Chase isn’t going to take direction well or if I don’t think he has a chance of pulling off Lucas Steel. My reputation is on the line.”

Alex looked betrayed. “Hey now, sweetheart, you can question many things, but my ability to take direction is legendary.” I wasn’t sure whether he intended for me to make that sexual or if my brain only had one setting around him. “And I think she’s right. She should audition for this to prove she’s as good as they say before we sign an agreement this massive.”

It was my turn to be mortally offended. “Oh, I’m as good as they say. And I’ve had bigger.”

Ophelia’s eyes flared and she set her pen down. Rami raised his hands, clearly feeling his point was validated.

I was mentally screaming. How did he get a rise out of me so easily? All maturity and composure seemed to flee my body in his presence.

We sat and glared at each other as our attorneys made a plan for the trial session. We would conduct it that evening for the sake of expediency, in a loft downtown that Rami apparently owned but rarely used.

As everyone gathered their things to leave, Chad asked, “Ophelia, are you going to let me take you to dinner to make up for being an ass?”

“No.” She didn’t bother to look at him.

Rami walloped him over the head with a stack of papers.

“Out of line, man. She’s trying to do her job and doesn’t need you harassing her.”